Aug 6 2013
Topics Covered
Introduction
Chemical Composition
Physical Properties
Mechanical Properties
Thermal Properties
Other Designations
Fabrication and Heat Treatment
Annealing
Cold Working
Welding
Forging
Machinability
Hot Working
Applications
Introduction
Brass is a specific term that refers to a variety of copper-zinc alloys having properties that include electrical and thermal conductivity, strength, hardness, wear-resistance, ductility and corrosion-resistance.
Brasses are available in a wide range of colors such as yellow, red, silver and gold etc. These colored brasses are used by designers and architects to improve the inside and outside appearances of buildings.
The UNS C48500 copper alloy is a high-leaded naval brass alloy with good corrosion resistance, hot forgeability and free-cutting properties.
The following datasheet provides an overview of the UNS C48500 high level leaded brass copper alloy.
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of the UNS C48500 high level leaded brass copper alloy is outlined in the following table.
|
Element |
Content (%) |
|
Cu |
60.0 |
|
Pb |
1.75 |
|
Zn |
37.5 |
|
Sn |
0.75 |
Physical Properties
The following table shows the physical properties of the UNS C48500 high level leaded brass copper alloy.
|
Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
|
Density |
8.44 g/cc |
0.305 lb/in³ |
|
Melting point |
888°C |
1630°F |
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of the UNS C48500 copper alloy are displayed in the following table.
|
Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
|
Tensile strength |
379-531 MPa |
55000-77000 psi |
|
Yield strength (depending on temper) |
172-365 MPa |
24900-52900 psi |
|
Elongation at break (in 381 mm) |
40% |
40% |
|
Machinability (UNS C36000 (free-cutting brass) = 100) |
70 |
70 |
|
Shear modulus |
39 GPa |
5660 ksi |
|
Poisson's ratio |
0.34 |
0.34 |
|
Elastic modulus |
117 GPa |
16969 ksi |
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of the UNS C48500 copper alloy are given in the following table.
|
Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
|
Thermal expansion co-efficient (at 20-300°C/ 68-572°F) |
21.2 µm/m°C |
11.8 µin/in°F |
|
Thermal conductivity |
116 W/mK |
805 BTU in/hr.ft².°F |
Other Designations
Equivalent materials to the UNS C48500 copper alloy are:
-
ASTM B124
-
ASTM B21
-
ASTM B283
-
QQ B639.
Fabrication and Heat Treatment
Annealing
The UNS C48500 copper alloy is annealed between 427 and 593°C (800 and 1100°F).
Cold Working
The UNS C48500 copper alloy is rated with poor cold working capacity.
Welding
Welding processes recommended for the UNS C48500 copper alloy include brazing, butt welding and soldering. Welding processes not recommended for this alloy include seam welding, oxyacetylene welding, coated metal arc welding, spot welding and gas shielded arc welding.
Forging
The UNS C48500 copper alloy is forged between 649 and 760°C (1200 and 1400°F). The hot forgeability rating of this alloy is 90.
Machinability
The machinability rating of the UNS C48500 copper alloy is 70.
Hot Working
The UNS C48500 copper alloy has good hot forming capacity.
Applications
The UNS C48500 copper alloy is used for marine applications, high strength cold headed products and hardware and fasteners for corrosion resistant service.